Adaptives Helikopter-Rotorblatt im Windkanal

Abstract

Actuators embedded in the skin of a helicopter rotor blade can produce a twist, which influences the propagation of the air turbulence. In this way, vibration and noise can be significantly reduced. However, the actuators are subjected to considerable loads due to the centrifugal force. Based on the DLR project STAR, the design of an active twist rotor blade has been adapted so that the loads in the actuator system can be significantly reduced and furthermore evenly distributed. In addition to a new actuator design, the use of carbon fibre composite for the spar and additional straps near the trailing edge increase the durability of a new generation of active twist rotor blades, which is the basis for a specific and efficient use of the active twist technology. A first prototype of the newly designed rotor blade has already been built. After completion of the qualification phase, a four-blade set represents the next step on the way to the planned wind tunnel test.